THE CHARM OF PORTUGAL

It wasn’t always this way. Before the only parts of Portugal that were really known were the main cities of Lisbon, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira, But thanks to the Internet and the number of information circulating about this country, the treasures of Portugal have finally received the recognition they deserve.

What is there to see in Portugal? There are sandy beaches where people can enjoy the sea and bask in the golden sun. There are the art treasures and fascinating artchitecture. There is the delicious cuisine. There is the beautiful handicraft industry. There are the world class hotels and the attractive climate.

So in two decades alone the tourism industry has grown from just 2 million visitors a year in the 1970’s to 20 million in the 1990’s. Today the country attracts some 22 million visitors, maybe more.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PORTUGAL

Portugal is a small country. It only measures 225km (140 miles) wide and 612km (380 miles) long. Nevertheless it is packed with attractions. There are many things to discover in its towns, cities, villages, and countryside. One trip is not enough. That’s why so many people chose to come here again and again, and even invest in a vacation home so they will have a permanent base.

One of the attractions of Portugal is its scenery. It is just so diverse. You’ll fall in love with the almond trees in the African-looking Algarve; you’ll feel the magic and mystery of the cork forests; you’ll sigh in appreciation at seeing the fields of golden wheat in Alentejo wave in the breeze. You’ll enjoy visiting the; ranches in Ribatejo; you’ll find romance and adventure in the narrow, winding streets in the Alfama in Lisbon. You’ll feel the charm of the old world as you watch the ox-drawn carts crossing the plains of Minho; you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the garden of heaven as you see the .azaleas, rhododendrons, and canna grow for miles on end.

Indeed there is much to see and enjoy in Portugal. And investment is even a better option now because of the support of the Portuguese tourist offices.
There has been a lot of development in the country’s coastal areas. And thanks to the interest in the Properties of all kinds are being constructed, from prestigious housing developments that are the epitome of luxury to cozy vacation communities that are affordable and family friendly. These have attracted both tourists and investors from all around Europe and even the world.